Last years “Relay For Life”

FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY: July 30, 2008 I was getting prepped to spend a few hours in surgery with Dr. Kurt Garren at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio. Kurt did an incredible job and has become a good friend. He was thorough in his surgery, and very supportive in the following months more than most doctor’s would probably be.  Thanks Kurt!  By the way, sonce our move to Nashville I have had the privilege to meet the surgeon that taught Kurt at Vanderbilit.  I can now call Dr. Jim Netterville my friend too!

Actually that day started off meeting a great group of friends heading out on a motorcycle trip we were supposed to be a part of. But, when you get a diagnosis of cancer, everything else goes on “hold.” We met at Sheetz, prayed for their safety and God’s intervention in my life. (and I did ride my Gold Wing 20 miles down the road leading them out of town)

I headed home, got a shower and went to the hospital where I would start my journey as a cancer patient. After a 4 week rest, I started 9 weeks of chemo and daily radiation treatments, that seemed like eternity! Eight months off work spent just “getting through the next day”, but it was worth the battle!

First of all, all praise to the One True and Almighty God. Not the “man upstairs” or any other cute name. His name is Jesus and He healed me! Secondly, my incredible wife that drove me to every treatment, tried to find foods I could eat, and made me eat when I whined like a baby. She never let me quit. She did let me feel sorry for myself for a few minutes, then helped me back to a place of trusting in the Lord. Tough love in action, and I am blessed daily by her!!! Our children that dropped everything to support us, words can not express my feelings and love. As a result, I’ve been able to walk our daughter Sara Campos down the aisle, place her hand in our incredible son in law Hugo’s and enjoy their son, Mateo. I’ve enjoyed many hours with Christin and Scott Yuppa in Ohio and their three children. I ‘m loving shooting pictures with our son Aaron and spending time with him! Plus I get two spend the rest of my days until Jesus comes back with my high school sweetheart, Marlene!

To all of you that supported us with visits, prayer, get well cards/notes, anonymous cash donations, and other things I probably did not even know about, THANK YOU!

This weekend we will travel home to Ohio to celebrate with my siblings! They all played a significant role in those days, I love you all and we’ll see you soon. Let the party begin!

Moving Forward!